Stephanie Rische

Blogger and Writer: Capturing Stories of God's Grace

Thank You for the Book-Love!

I’m supposed to be the one with the words, seeing as how I’m a writer and all. But I can’t quite seem to find the words for this post today. I want to say thank you, but that doesn’t seem adequate for the gratitude that’s overflowing to the point that it’s liable to come out my ears at some point. book signing 3

So I’ll do my best here, and please forgive me for not doing justice to the occasion. Thank you to each person who was at my book signing this weekend and to those of you who were supporting me from a distance.

The nice folks at Barnes & Noble assured me that we’d have more than enough chairs and books, but they had clearly never seen the likes of my people. You all are amazing—thank you for showing up and showering me with so much love (and for clearing out all the books in this zip code). If you are one of the people who didn’t get a copy, let me know and I’d be honored to sign one for you another time.

book signing 1It was incredible to look up from my reading and see people from so many corners of my life . . . college friends, work friends, book club friends, old friends, new friends, aunts and uncles, my supportive parents, my amazing husband (who even coordinated his outfit to match mine), and kind strangers who probably couldn’t concentrate on their shopping above all the racket.

At one point I looked up to see my 94-year-old grandmother holding my one-month-old nephew, and it was all I could do to hold myself together. (While neither of them may be the exact demographic I was targeting, I was amazed to be surrounded by multiple generations of love and support.)

So thanks to all of you for helping launch this book into the world. I love you all!

Launches and Other Squeamish Things

They call it a book launch, and launch seems to be the right word. I feel a littleB&N like a baby bird who was quite comfy in her nest and who, come to think of it, is actually a little afraid of heights. But birds aren’t supposed to stay hunkered in their nests, and stories aren’t supposed to stay locked inside people’s heads. So ready or not, it’s time to launch this book into the world.

I have to admit this process comes with trepidation, because I don’t want this to be about me. As I wrote this book, I pictured one precious person reading it, hoping it would connect with them. I want every page to say, “You are not alone in this. It’s okay to hope again. And God loves you more than you can imagine.”

I would be honored if my book could come alongside you as a friend for this part of your journey, whatever journey you’re on, and wherever your journey takes you.

And if that requires a little squeamishness for me as I teeter on the edge of the nest, I’m willing to do it.

Squeamish Thing #1: My life is literally an open book.

I will be at the Barnes and Noble in Geneva Commons tomorrow (Saturday, February 6) at 2:00 p.m. I’ll be doing a reading, answering questions, and introducing some of the real behind-the-scenes heroes of the book.

Squeamish Thing #2: There is no editing on the air.

I was interviewed on the Debbie Chavez Show earlier this week. Here’s what I learned about live radio along the way:

  1. Always have water on hand. Editors/writers don’t do a lot of talking in a given day, so after 45 minutes of chatting, I felt like I’d just hiked the Sahara.
  2. Wear a sweatband. I do realize sweatbands went the way of double-layered socks in the ’80s, but I should have worn one anyway. Nothing like talking about your dating life on the air to make you a little clammy.
  3. You can edit books, but not airwaves. I’m pretty sure I got myself tongue tied on more than one occasion, but unlike words on the screen, there’s no delete key on the radio!

If you missed the interview and would like to hear it, mishaps and all, you can listen to Debbie’s show online.

Squeamish Thing #3: Seeing a cartoon version of yourself!

The kind folks at Tyndale House created a charming trailer for my book. I won’t tell you how many takes were required for my voiceover, but let’s just say I don’t think acting is in my near future.

Thanks to the creative team that made the I Was Blind (Dating), But Now I See trailer!

Hope to see you Saturday, whether in person or online!